The National Milk Producers Federation wants major changes in federal dairy policies, which it said failed to protect dairy producers against market volatility.
Last week the board voted to support the "Foundation for the Future" plan. The plan proposes to transition federal financial safety nets into a program, which would guard against a collapse in producer prices.
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Food safety advocates are pushing the U.S. government to step up efforts to monitor less common e-coli strains.
Just last month, two dozen people in four states became sick from bagged romaine lettuce from Arizona contaminated by an uncommon strain of e-coli.
The food industry and government regulators test for e-coli but not for the less common strains. Industry officials say that's because tests aren't available for widespread monitoring.
A Seattle law firm has petitioned the ag department to list the less common strains as adulterants in meat which requires regular screening.
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Local grape growers can learn more about their crop at a viti-culture research roadshow.
Researchers from U.C. Davis, the U.C. Cooperative Extension and Fresno State can meet with grape growers in the San Joaquin Valley and present their findings in several areas of viti-culture. A wine tasting will be held afterwards where growers can compare their products.
The roadshow is Friday at the Armenian Community Center in Fresno. The program begins at 1pm with the wine tasting following at 5 o'clock. The event is presented by the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association and the cost is $10 for members, $25 for non-members and $40 at the door.
For more information, call (559) 618-1856.
